This year’s 5th graders began their journey at Shepherd during the uncertainty of a global pandemic, when stores were closed, gatherings were limited, and families and schools searched for a way forward. But Shepherd believed then what we still believe now: students need to learn, families need community, and children need a safe and loving place to belong. So, Shepherd found a way.

These 5th graders began kindergarten in masks, on unusual schedules, with cleaning days in the middle of the week, and with changes over and over again as their school years began. The changes were not easy. But today, they are young leaders, problem-solvers, and soon-to-be middle school students. Their growth has been remarkable.

What’s truly special about this class of graduating 5th graders is that half of our 18 graduates have been enrolled at Shepherd Community Academy since Pre-K, starting in our K3 & K4 classes. That’s over 7 years of consistent, caring relationships—years of being loved, seen, and knowing their potential, as well as receiving wrap-around care, nutritious meals, and a safe environment to grow. They have excelled academically with exceptional test scores while overcoming adversity and uncertainty.

Don’t just take our word for it. We asked our 5th Grade Graduates to share with us about their time at Shepherd Community Academy, their future aspirations, advice for the next generation of students, and what hope means to them. Here are just a few of our favorite responses:

• “Hope means finding people who help you in times that you need them.” – Adrian.
• “Because of Shepherd, I feel better. I feel like I am getting smarter at everything.” – Bryntyn
• “Shepherd has made me, and my family’s lives better and easier.” – Camila
• “Shepherd has made me good, brave, kind, and better.” – Danny
• “Shepherd has taught me a lot about God. People are nice here [at Shepherd], and it is fun.” – Dylan
• “When I am older, I want to be a doctor.” – Emmanuel
• “I would tell younger Academy students to do hard things.” – Erick
• “Shepherd has helped me learn important things without the pressure. And I’ve learned to be honest, even when it’s hard.” – Genesis
• “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher or work at Shepherd.” – Hope
• “Shepherd made me who I am today.” – Isaac
• “[At Shepherd] I have learned that there will always be problems, but they can be fixed.” – Johnny
• “Hope means trusting that something will happen, having faith, and is a gift that God gives us.” – Judith
• “Shepherd Community Academy taught me how to speak English!” – Keysers
• “When I grow up, I want to be a marine biologist.” – Leile
• “Shepherd is a great school with very kind teachers who will help you with a lot.” – Kylani
• “Because of Shepherd, I have all my friends. I will miss my friends, the food, and the teachers here.” – Leo
• “I’ve seen myself grow academically mostly in reading, writing, and math.” – Nehemiah
• “I want to be an archaeologist or a space explorer when I grow up.” – Vanessa

As our fifth graders enter middle school, we know they will face change. We will continue to walk alongside them, just as God does for us. We trust in the unchanging God who goes with them, we pray they bring good change into every hallway and conversation—solving problems, building relationships, staying curious, deepening faith, and sharing Christ’s hope, kindness, courage, and love.

Today and every day, we celebrate what God is doing in our students’ lives, made possible by the generous support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. We are thankful, blessed, and cheering on these students and the bright future God has in store for them!